Oakton Health Center

1. USCIS Immigration Medical Exam Guidance

The U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance on the validity of an immigration medical exam report (Form I-693). From November 1, 2023, any Form I-693 correctly filled out and signed by an approved civil surgeon will not expire and can be used indefinitely, serving as proof that the applicant does not have any inadmissible health conditions. However, immigration officers can still request updated medical exams if they believe the applicant’s health status has changed. The previous validity rules apply to Forms I-693 completed before this date, which are valid for two years. There is a three-year exception for certain Afghan parolees who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome.

2. MR #25.20 Medical PM/WAG Updates to Asylum Applicants and Torture Victims (AATV) and Victims of Trafficking, Torture or Other Serious Crimes (VTTC)

This article provides updated procedures and policies concerning the medical management of Asylum Applicants and Torture Victims (AATV) and Victims of Trafficking, Torture, or other Serious Crimes (VTTC). The legislature has amended VTTC eligibility factors and some changes have been made regarding the derivative family members for VTTC cases and verifications for VTTC and AATV. These changes take effect on applications processed on or after June 5, 2024.

3. WR Immigration News Digest

Recent visa developments include the resumption of F, M, and J visa processing for Harvard University students following a court order. The Department of Homeland Security has begun to terminate parole and revoke work authorizations for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Meanwhile, USCIS is updating the validity of I-693 forms for Green Card applications and is adjusting their policy regarding self-deportations via the CBP One Home App to forgive fines. The Department of State has also published the July 2025 Visa Bulletin, outlining the progress and availability for different Visa categories. ICE had briefly paused raids in certain sectors but has since reversed the decision, while the State Department is expanding its social media screening for student visa applicants.

The Trump administration has made immediate changes to the green card application process, according to an announcement from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The changes require all applicants for permanent residency to undergo a medical examination. The move is a shift from the previous policy where forms could be used indefinitely, now making it necessary for every new application to come with a renewed medical examination form, effective immediately.

The move is expected to affect thousands of immigrants applying for an adjustment of status. The medical exams include checks for conditions or diseases that could make a person inadmissible to the U.S., as well as vaccination records. The cost of the exam can range from $100 to $500. Previously, only individuals needing to prove they were not medically inadmissible were required to file a medical examination form – now this requirement extends to every green card applicant.

USCIS stated that the change applies to the I-693 form, “Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record”, which must be completed by immigrants applying for adjustment of status or to become permanent residents. Under the new guidelines, if an application is withdrawn, the I-693 is invalidated, requiring the applicant to retake the exam and obtain a new, signed copy. This change, effective June 11, 2025, comes amidst increased scrutiny of immigrants applying for temporary and permanent visas in the U.S.

This policy is part of the Trump administration’s tougher stance on immigration enforcement, seen recently when federal agents detained green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, following his actions at a pro-Palestinian protest. Despite having permanent residency status, the administration claimed Khalil’s actions were against U.S. foreign policy.

In other news, starting July 3, 2025, the USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-693. If a civil surgeon signs the form on or before July 2, 2025, either the 03/09/23 or the 01/20/25 edition must be used. The edition date can be found at the bottom of the form and instructions page. In January, the USCIS waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for certain adjustment of status applicants.

Also, starting in December, green card applicants must include their medical and vaccination report along with Form I-485 for adjustment of status, or risk having their petition denied. This change seeks to streamline the immigration process, reducing the additional evidence requested before adjudicating a Form I-485. To avoid errors, experts recommend consulting with an immigration attorney or an organization accredited by Immigration to provide immigration services before submitting any application to USCIS. Most applicants must undergo a medical examination to determine their admissibility, although some applicants do not need to undergo a medical examination unless there is a specific concern.

The Trump administration has announced changes to the United States green card application process which will take immediate effect. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that from Wednesday, June 11, every new application for permanent residency would require a renewed medical examination. This requirement applies to all residency applications from June 11, 2025, and all pending applications. The medical exam, which can cost hundreds, must accompany every I-485 form, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Previously, these medical forms were valid indefinitely if completed correctly. This has now changed so that if a person’s application for permanent residency is withdrawn or denied, the medical form will no longer be valid. The change also dictates that everyone who applies for a green card must get the exam, a rule introduced in December 2024.

As part of the medical exam, civil surgeons carry out checks for conditions or diseases that could make the applicant inadmissible to the US. They also ensure that vaccination records are up-to-date. The new rule means that those looking to get a green card may have to take several medical exams, incurring substantial costs. Should their application be denied or withdrawn and they wish to apply again, they must undergo another medical exam.

Simultaneously, President Donald Trump announced the launch of a website for those interested in a “gold card” that would allow successful applicants to purchase a green card for $5 million. This move appears to be part of Trump’s plan to replace the EB-5 offers, which grant green cards to individuals who invest in the US. Trump has suggested that “gold card” sales could raise $50 trillion, enough to retire national debt, although existing figures suggest a more modest $25 billion to $40 billion.

Legal experts suggest Trump cannot alter or abolish the EB-5 visa program without congressional approval. However, theoretically, the “gold card” program could coexist with the existing EB-5.